About Broad-footed Colletes
A rare coastal specialist plasterer bee that forages on sea aster in saltmarsh habitats. It is restricted to a narrow band of habitat along European coasts.
Did You Know?
Rising sea levels and saltmarsh erosion directly threaten its nesting sites, making it one of the bees most vulnerable to climate change.
How to Identify Broad-footed Colletes
Broad-footed Colletes (Colletes halophilus) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Colletidae. Adults typically measure 9-12 mm.
Broad-footed Colletes Habitat
Broad-footed Colletes is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Western Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Broad-footed Colletes Diet and Feeding
Broad-footed Colletes feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Broad-footed Colletes Found?
Broad-footed Colletes can be found in Western Europe, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Broad-footed Colletes can be found
Is Broad-footed Colletes Dangerous?
Broad-footed Colletes belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Broad-footed Colletes Role in Nature
Broad-footed Colletes plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Broad-footed Colletes
What does Broad-footed Colletes look like?
The Broad-footed Colletes typically measures 9-12 mm.
Where is Broad-footed Colletes found?
The Broad-footed Colletes is found in Western Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Broad-footed Colletes eat?
The Broad-footed Colletes feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Broad-footed Colletes dangerous to humans?
The Broad-footed Colletes belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Broad-footed Colletes endangered?
The Broad-footed Colletes is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Broad-footed Colletes?
Rising sea levels and saltmarsh erosion directly threaten its nesting sites, making it one of the bees most vulnerable to climate change.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Broad-footed Colletes (Colletes halophilus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/broad-footed-colletes
MLA:
"Broad-footed Colletes." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/broad-footed-colletes.